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Strengthening The Bonds of Our Community and Festival Churches: Growing Vision and Collaboration in West Lindsey Deanery

In the West Lindsey Deanery Partnership, the qualities of connection, cooperation, and collaborative service are taking root and growing — especially among its Community and Festival Churches.

As a testament to its growth, over seventy people gathered together for a day of celebration, reflection, and forward planning for the partnership at Middle Rasen Church Hall earlier this year.

The event affirmed the vital role of Community and Festival Churches in keeping worship wonderful and buildings open, as well as putting mission at the heart of rural life.

A shared vision for the future

The day was shaped by contributions from a range of Diocesan leaders and enablers:

  • Revd Christine Goldsmith (Rural Missioner)
  • Canon Sarah Spencer (Mission and Discipleship Officer)
  • Hugo Cobham (Stewardship Officer)
  • John Beverley (Mission Enabler for WLDP)
  • Fran Bell (Church Development Officer)

Revd Christine Goldsmith led the day with warmth and purpose, guiding worship and prayer, and encouraging participants to engage deeply with the opportunities ahead. Her leadership helped create a space where energy and hope were tangible, and where practical next steps could be discerned together.

Mission, generosity and collaboration

Canon Sarah Spencer, who is the Mission and Discipleship Officer for the Diocese of Lincoln, reminded attendees of the importance of missional thinking, especially in rural contexts. She said:

“We want to encourage people to notice where God is calling us to next as a Church, and how we as churches and individuals might join in with God’s work – in particular around our rural spaces and communities.”

“We want to encourage people to notice where God is calling us to next as a Church, and how we as churches and individuals might join in with God’s work – in particular around our rural spaces and communities.”

Fran Bell, the Church Development Officer in the Diocese of Lincoln, and John Beverley, Mission Enabler for West Lindsey, highlighted the power of connection and communication, encouraging churches to collaborate with one another and with their wider communities.

John offered simple, practical ideas for mission that any church could try, and shared information about grant funding to help bring new projects to life. He proved that the idea of mission does not have to be scary!

Hugo Cobham focused on the importance of generosity in all its forms, it being one of church collaboration and growth, as well as our strategic journey as Diocese. He said:

“In the light of generosity being part of God’s character and one of the fruits of the Spirit, We looked at how we can encourage and nurture a culture of generosity within our churches, and the resources we need in place to allow that to thrive.

“We looked at how we can encourage and nurture a culture of generosity within our churches, and the resources we need in place to allow that to thrive.”

“We also previewed a new Cornerstone resource, giving parishes insight into financial trends based upon their own parish specific data, then offering a range of practical, step-by-step pathways to develop a generous culture and enable generous giving.”

More about Mission Enablers

Mission Enablers come alongside your church community and ask ‘What is happening around here to grow God’s Church? In numbers, deepening faith and service in the community? How can I help with that?’.

Get in touch with your Mission Enabler to see how they can support you.

Looking Ahead

The day was a clear success, with strong engagement and enthusiasm from all who attended. Revd Canon Steve Johnson, Partnership Dean, and Steve Cartwright, Co-Lay Lead, expressed their delight at the turnout and the energy in the room.

Plans are already underway for a similar event in Autumn 2025, this time focusing on Key and Local Mission Churches in the West Lindsey Deanery Partnership.

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